Mike Collins runs for Senate; Violent Atlanta weekend; Heat advisory in effect

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary – July 28, 2025

Hosted by Orlando Montoya | Georgia Public Broadcasting

---

1. Mike Collins Announces Senate Run

In a significant political development, Jackson Congressman Mike Collins has officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to fill the seat currently held by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in the 2026 elections. Collins made the announcement through a compelling video posted on social media platforms, where he emphasized his legislative accomplishments and political alliances.

Collins highlighted a key piece of legislation he sponsored in memory of Lakin Riley, a Georgia nursing student tragically murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan individual. He underscored his commitment to law and order, stating, “It's time to send a trucker to the US Senate to steamroll the radical” (01:39).

Moreover, Collins showcased his strong ties with former President Donald Trump, reinforcing his alignment with the "America First" agenda. Echoing his campaign's tone, a Sports Commentator added, “Deliver on President Trump's America first agenda and put the people of Georgia back in the driver's seat” (01:41).

Collins faces a formidable challenge from fellow Republican U.S. Representative Buddy Carter of St. Simons Island. Additionally, potential GOP contenders like former college football coach Derek Dooley are considering entering the race, setting the stage for a competitive primary battle.

---

2. Heat Advisory and Community Responses

Georgia is currently grappling with extreme heat, with approximately half of the state under a heat advisory as temperatures soar near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat index, which factors in humidity, makes the temperatures feel even more oppressive. GPB’s Amanda Andrews reported on the various measures taken by residents and officials to combat the heat.

The city of Atlanta has proactively opened cooling centers to provide relief. “The city of Atlanta is offering a cooling center to the public from 11am to 6pm through Wednesday at Salina Butler Park,” reported Amanda Andrews (02:27). These centers also distribute bottled water to those in need.

Local residents like Emily Daley from Stone Mountain are adjusting their daily routines to stay safe. Kerri Shaw shared her strategies, explaining, “It's a constant, like math that you're doing in your head… we go out early in the day before it gets way too hot” (02:44). Shaw emphasizes the importance of hydration and seeking shade, adding, “Plenty of water, plenty of popsicles for kids and grownups” (03:48).

The National Weather Service has issued several health recommendations, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, and checking on vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those without air conditioning.

---

3. Protecting Pets and Livestock from Extreme Heat

With the soaring temperatures, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has issued warnings regarding the safety of pets and livestock. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Extreme heat can be potentially life-threatening to both pets and farm animals” (04:15).

Harper advised pet owners to monitor their animals for signs of heat illness and take immediate action if symptoms arise. “Animals with flat faces are especially susceptible to heat illness. Dogs are also at risk of burning their paws on hot asphalt if they are taken for a walk in the heat” (04:32).

A Sports Commentator echoed these warnings, urging farmers and pet owners to ensure their animals have ample hydration and access to shade (04:46).

---

4. Violent Weekend in Atlanta and the 'Cop City' Controversy

Atlanta faced a tragic incident over the weekend with a fatal shooting in the bustling Sweet Auburn neighborhood, resulting in one death and ten injuries. While authorities have not identified the motive, they believe the violence was not gang-related, indicating that most victims were innocent bystanders (05:01).

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the recent surge in violence during the summer months, acknowledging the community's challenges. “We are doing all that we can to prevent these tragedies even before they happen” (05:33), remarked Mayor Dickens.

This incident contrasts sharply with the recent statistics showing a substantial decrease in overall crime rates in Atlanta. Data released in June revealed a 30% year-over-year drop in homicides, a 21% decrease in shootings, and a 40% decline in auto thefts.

Amidst these developments, a legal battle unfolds over the controversial public safety training center, commonly referred to as "Cop City." Attorney Joy Ramsing discussed the recent court ruling forcing the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) to release hundreds of pages of documents to journalists. Ramsing criticized APF's handling of the records, stating, “They redact everything and provide no explanation” (07:54).

Kerri Shaw, representing the Atlanta Community Press Collective and Lucy Parsons Lab, elaborated on the significance of these documents. She revealed, “There's a private entity out there that is surveilling them… having a window into their operations is critical” (09:04). Shaw highlighted that the APF's extensive control over policing and surveillance in Atlanta raises concerns about transparency and accountability.

Ramsing noted the broader implications of this ruling, suggesting it sets a precedent for other police foundations across the United States, potentially enhancing public oversight of private policing entities (09:59).

---

5. Addressing Missed Medical Appointments Due to Transportation Issues

A new study has shed light on a critical issue affecting millions of Americans: missing important medical appointments and procedures due to the lack of reliable transportation. GPB’s Ellen Eldredge reported on potential solutions being explored to mitigate this problem.

The study, led by CRNA Janice Gist, indicates that many patients do not have someone to drive them home post-surgery or medical procedures. “Patients can be released to a responsible individual able to care for them,” Gist explained (12:19). This definition includes caregivers under the age of 18, provided they have the maturity and capability to manage discharge instructions.

One proposed solution is to schedule medical procedures earlier in the day, allowing patients to recover at home. Additionally, follow-up calls to caregivers on the day of discharge could ensure that patients have the necessary support (12:31).

These recommendations aim to reduce the number of missed appointments and improve patient outcomes by ensuring safe post-procedure care.

---

6. Georgia Business Highlights

a. Automotive Industry Acquisition

In a major business move, Metro Atlanta-based Asbury Automotive Group is set to acquire Metro Boston’s Herb Chambers Companies in a deal valued at nearly $1.5 billion. This acquisition will expand Asbury’s portfolio, adding 33 dealerships to its existing 145. The consolidation aims to enhance market presence and streamline operations across the regions.

b. Trade Commission's Ruling on Chinese Golf Carts

The International Trade Commission has ruled that Chinese-manufactured golf carts have been unfairly traded, causing significant harm to U.S. manufacturers. This decision supports major Augusta employers, Club Car and EasyGo, and paves the way for imposing anti-dumping duties on low-speed personal transportation vehicles, potentially exceeding 100%. This measure is expected to protect domestic industries from unfair competition and stabilize the market.

c. Expansion of Spread Bagel Bakery

Philadelphia-based Spread Bagel Bakery is planning to open its second location in Georgia and its fourth across the Southern United States. Building permits have been filed for a new establishment in Atlanta, complementing its existing branch in Savannah. Spread Bagel Bakery distinguishes itself by poaching bagels in honey water and baking them in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a unique sweetness and distinctive crust. With 3,013 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Spread aims to replicate its success in the Georgia market.

---

7. Georgia Sports: Melanie Doggett Sets National Record

In an inspiring sports achievement, Melanie Doggett, an eighth-grader from Fairburn, south of Atlanta, has made national headlines by becoming the second-fastest 14-year-old ever in the 200-meter dash. Competing at the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympics in Savannah over the weekend, Doggett clocked an impressive 22.94 seconds (14:57).

During the semi-finals, a Sports Commentator captured her performance: “Melanie Bogget set the national record in the semi. We'll just look at the clock. It's her against the clock” (14:53). Doggett broke her own meet record from the previous day, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication. Reflecting on her performance, Doggett mentioned that she wasn’t consciously tracking her speed but was solely focused on crossing the finish line.

Her remarkable achievement has caught the attention of major brands, with Nike signing Doggett to a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal last month. The National Junior Olympics concluded at Savannah State University, highlighting athletes from across the nation striving for excellence.

---

Conclusion

The July 28, 2025, episode of Georgia Today covered a diverse range of topics impacting Georgia residents, from political developments and public safety concerns to significant business transactions and remarkable sports achievements. Host Orlando Montoya effectively navigated these stories, providing listeners with comprehensive insights and updates on matters that matter most to the community.

For more detailed information on these stories, visit gpb.org/news. To stay informed, subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast and share your feedback via [e-mail].

Transcript

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The Consider this podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this podcast from npr.

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, U.S. representative Mike Collins announces his candidacy for U.S. senator Jon Ossoff's seat in next year's election. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is warning about the dangers of extreme heat on pets and livestock, and a teenage track star is setting new records.

[Sports Commentator]

There she is. Melanie Bogget set the national record in the semi. We'll just look at the clock. It's her against the clock.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Monday, July 28th. I'm Orlando Montoya and this is Georgia Today Jackson Congressman Mike Collins will run for U.S. senate in 2026. The Republican made his announcement in a video posted to social media where he touted a bill he sponsored named after Georgia nursing student Lakin Riley. She was murdered by a Venezuelan man who was in the US without proper documentation. The freight industry executive also highlighted his relationship with President Donald Trump. It's time to send a trucker to the US Senate to steamroll the radical.

[Sports Commentator]

Left, deliver on President Trump's America first agenda and put the people of Georgia back in the driver's seat.

[Orlando Montoya]

Collins will face off against a FELLOW Republican and U.S. representative Buddy Carter of St. Simons island for a chance to challenge Democratic incumbent U.S. senator Jon Ossoff next year. Other GOP candidates also are considering joining the race, including former college football coach Derek Dooley. About half of Georgia is under a heat advisory as temperatures in many parts of the state climbed near 100 degrees, with heat index values making it feel much hotter. GPB's Amanda Andrews has more on how residents and officials in metro Atlanta are responding.

[Amanda Andrews]

The city of Atlanta is offering a cooling center to the public from 11am to 6pm through Wednesday at Salina Butler Park. The facility will also provide bottled water for residents in need. Emily Daley lives in Stone Mountain. She took her two young kids to a park this morning and plans her days around the heat.

[Kerri Shaw]

It's a constant, like math that you're doing in your head, okay, so if we go to the grocery store first thing in the morning, it won't be too hot but it's also our only time we can be outside before it's too hot. So what do we do? Do we get our errands done or do we go do fun things?

[Amanda Andrews]

The National Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of fluids, limiting outdoor activities and checking on the elderly or those without air conditioning. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Orlando Montoya]

Cooling centers were open at sites throughout the state. If you have to be outdoors, stay hydrated, take shade breaks and never leave kids or pets unattended. Of course, people are recommended to stay indoors, but that could make you feel restricted. Kerry Shaw was cooling off in a park in Decatur.

[Kerri Shaw]

My name is Kerri Shaw. I mean, honestly, sometimes you feel like a prisoner inside. I try to keep them, keep the kids out of the heat as much as I can, but, you know, I mean, we'll try to go out early in the day before it gets way too hot, and then hopefully, you know, we'll go to the wai pool or something like that in the afternoon.

So.

So, yeah, or, you know, going to air conditioned places, going to target, something like that. The library, plenty of water, plenty of popsicles for kids and grownups. Yeah.

[Orlando Montoya]

And what about our animal companions? The Georgia Department of Agriculture is warning pet and livestock owners to keep their animals safe as we experience some of the hottest temperatures of the year so far. GPB's Sarah Callis has that story.

[Tyler Harper]

Extreme heat can be potentially life threatening to both pets and farm animals. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says some animals should be monitored for heat illness and if you suspect they're sick, you should move them to shade, give them water and call your local veterinarian.

[Sports Commentator]

I just want to continue to remind farmers and also pet owners across the state to ensure that their pets have significant amounts of hydration as well as shade.

[Tyler Harper]

Animals with flat faces are especially susceptible to heat illness. Dogs are also at risk of burning their paws on hot asphalt if they are taken for a walk in the heat. For GPV News, I'm Sarah Kallas.

[Orlando Montoya]

Atlanta police say one person is dead and 10 others were injured after an exchange of gunfire in a busy nightlife area late Sunday. Police don't know yet what prompted the shooting in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, but they don't believe it was gang related. The majority of victims were likely innocent bystanders. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the violence this morning.

[NPR Host]

We haven't had a weekend like this.

[Kerri Shaw]

In a long time.

[NPR Host]

We know that summer months often bring.

[Kerri Shaw]

Some of the most challenging times when.

[NPR Host]

It comes to crime and gun violence in our communities. We are doing all that we can to prevent these tragedies even before they happen.

[Orlando Montoya]

The violence comes on the heels of a significant drop in Atlanta crime numbers. Data released at the end of June showed six month, year over year, homicides down by 30%, shootings down by 21%, and auto thefts down by 40%. Meanwhile, a judge has forced the Atlanta Police foundation to provide hundreds of pages of records to journalists seeking information about the controversial public safety training center in southeast Atlanta. But those documents contained retractions which appear to violate the judge's order. And they also came after a deadline which, if met, could have changed public opinion about the project at a critical moment. Joy Ramsing is an attorney representing both Atlanta Community Press Collective and Chicago based research center Lucy Parsons Lab who argued for the document's release. She spoke with GPB's Peter Biello about the decision.

[Joy Ramsing]

A judge has forced the Atlanta Police foundation to provide hundreds of pages of records to journalists seeking information about the controversial public safety training center in southeast Atlanta, known to opponents as Cop City. Joy Ramsing is an attorney representing both Atlanta Community Press Collective and Chicago based research center Lucy Parsons Labs. Ramsing argued for the documents release and she's with me now to talk about them. Welcome to the program.

[Kerri Shaw]

Glad to be here.

[Joy Ramsing]

The Atlanta Police foundation provided you redacted documents at first, but now they are saying that they will provide you with unredacted documents. This comes after you applied some legal pressure. What information is now going to be revealed to you in these unredacted documents?

[Kerri Shaw]

Basically, officials at APF had forwarded varieties of emails to their counsel. And looking at the, you know, I've glanced very briefly at the records. I don't think the material was privileged at all in any sense. It's just been in keeping with what APF has done at every step of the litigation, which is frankly, to just kind of drag their feet as much as possible and to redact as much as possible whether it merits redaction or not.

[Joy Ramsing]

If they did, as you say, drag their feet, what in those documents do you think they were not eager to have revealed publicly?

[Kerri Shaw]

Well, that's just it, Peter. I mean, when we got the information, it was nothing. I mean, it was the largest nothing burger you can possibly imagine. They had literally just APF officials had forwarded emails of news coverage to their counsel. And so the redacted information, if you want to put it that way, whole pages blacked out, was nothing but a forward message from APF to APF counsel. It was forwarded. So we didn't know that. Right frankly, if we had known that it was nothing, we wouldn't have had to go through the motion. But we didn't. And all we saw was a completely black, redacted page. So again, you have a situation where the lack of communication and the just the approach of redact everything and provide no explanation led to additional litigation that was probably unnecessary.

[Joy Ramsing]

Is there anything in these documents that you believe or your clients believe would have changed public opinion about this project before it was opened?

[Kerri Shaw]

One of the things that the folks of Atlanta did not know was not just the amount of influence that APF had over the building of the training center, which is essentially carte blanc construction and design, but also the presence that APF has over policing throughout the city. One of the things that I didn't know before I got these records and before I became active in this lawsuit, I don't think the people of Atlanta understand that there's a private entity out there that is surveilling them. I mean, their operation shield hundreds of cameras throughout. And when you see these cameras on the street, when you and you're walking in Buckhead and you look up and you see a camera, it says atlanta Police Department. But the entity that is actually operating and maintaining the cameras and presumably watching the footage is apf, which is a completely private organization. And so having a window into their operations is critical.

[Joy Ramsing]

Similar police foundations exist for cities across the United States. Does the judge's ruling in this open records case have implications for those police foundations across the country?

[Kerri Shaw]

I think so. So this decision is not legally binding. Right. On anyone except these parties in the state of Georgia. But it is highly persuasive because of the breadth of records that this request covered. These requests covered everything from emails to board meeting minutes, to agendas, to plans, to studies, to contracts, most importantly contracts. Right. With other private companies. Because the ruling was so broad and the kind of information that it covered virtually at this point, I can't really think of a record that would not be public, that would be in APF's possession.

[Joy Ramsing]

Opponents had wanted to prevent the opening of the public safety training center, but it's open now. What do your clients hope to accomplish by bringing these documents to light?

[Kerri Shaw]

Our goal is not so much to affect a certain outcome, but to give people the information that they need to decide whether or not they're satisfied with policing in Atlanta. And if they're not, then they can take those concerns to their lawmakers through the democratic process.

[Joy Ramsing]

Joy Ramsing is an attorney representing both the Atlanta Community Press Collective and Chicago based Research Center, Lucy Parsons Labs Joy, thank you so much for speaking with me.

[Kerri Shaw]

Thank you for having me.

[Joy Ramsing]

And we've reached out to the Atlanta Police foundation for comment but have not yet heard back.

[Orlando Montoya]

Millions of Americans miss important medical appointments and procedures because they don't have someone to drive them home. A new study suggests options that could help solve the problem. GPB's Ellen Eldredge has more.

[Tyler Harper]

A survey of nurse anesthetists found most were in favor of changing the recommendations on who can take a patient home following a surgery or a procedure. Procedure the American association of Nurse Anesthesist website now states patients can be released to a, quote, responsible individual able to care for them. Janice Gist is a CRNA and lead author on the study. She says that includes someone under 18.

[Amanda Andrews]

It could be someone's granddaughter and they could be 16, 17 years old, but as long as they have the intellect and the ability to sign off on discharge instructions.

[Tyler Harper]

She suggests scheduling procedures earlier in the day and following up with the caretaker the same day as discharge. For GPV News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

In Georgia Business News, a Georgia based car dealership giant is buying a Massachusetts based auto group in a deal valued at nearly 1 1/2 billion dollars. Metro Atlanta's Asbury Automotive Group Group and Metro Boston's Herb Chambers Companies announced the acquisition last week. Asbury operates 145 car dealerships while Herb Chambers operates 33 dealerships. The international Trade Commission has found that unfairly traded Chinese golf carts have materially harmed US Manufacturers. The finding last month is a win for two major Augusta employers, Clubcar and Easygo, and paves the way for anti dumping duties on low speed personal transportation vehicles that could top 100%. And a Philadelphia based bagel chain plans to open its second Georgia location and its fourth in the South. Building permits show plans for a spread bagelry in Atlanta. The Montreal Style Bagel Bakery already has a location in Savannah. Spread has 3013 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to Montreal's tourism agency. The city's bagels differ from others by being poached in honey water giving them a sweetness and baked in a wood fired oven giving them a distinctive chew, color and crust.

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The the Consider this podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news we get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this podcast from npr.

[Orlando Montoya]

And in Georgia sports, a young Georgia track star is making national headlines. Melanie Doggett, an eighth grader from Fairburn, south of Atlanta, became the second fastest 14 year old ever in the 200 meter dash. It happened at the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympics in Savannah over the weekend.

[Sports Commentator]

There she is. Melanie Boggitt set the national record in the semi. We'll just look at the clock. It's her against the clock.

[Orlando Montoya]

She clocked a blazing 22.94 seconds, breaking her own meet record just the day before. Doggett said she wasn't paying attention to her speed, she was just focused on crossing the finish line. The meet wrapped up yesterday in Savannah at Savannah State University with athletes from across the country competing for national titles. Last month, Nike signed Doggett to a name, image and likeness deal. And that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news if you haven't yet hit subscribe on this podcast, take a moment right now and do that to keep us current in your feed. If you have feedback for us, please send that our way. Our email address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. I'll talk to you again tomorrow.

[NPR Host]

These days there's so much news it can be hard to keep up with what it all means for you, your family and your community. The Consider this podcast from NPR features our award winning journalism. Six days a week we bring you a deep dive on a news story and provide the context and analysis that helps you make sense of the news. We get behind the headlines. We get to the truth. Listen to the Consider this podcast from NPR.